No, not that coke (though it is about that addictive).

Although, Starbucks may not have the worldwide brand recognition that Coke does, it nevertheless has a commanding presence. As I stepped into my second Starbucks for the day, I wondered why it is so ubiquitous. And as a Seattlite (where the average per capita coffee consumption is a staggering 7 cups), it’s my duty to explore this topic a bit.

To start with Starbucks coffee isn’t that great–its often burned, not well balanced, and too bitter for my taste. But, I still find myself going there day in and day out. On a recent 6 week trip to New York I spent nearly $400 on coffee at the store! Pretty damn good for a business where customers give mixed reviews on its only product.

What is it then? Here’s my guess. Americans take comfort in standardization. When you walk into a Starbucks anywhere in the world you know exactly what you are getting–slightly burnt coffee in a comfortable atmosphere where you can stay as long as you please while listening to over played indie music in the background. Now make it a T-mobile hot spot and you have a little American outpost everywhere in the world. No one shows up expecting anything else. And that simple fact makes Starbucks a safe place to go wherever you are. If you are in a foreign country and need to work on that presentation, upload photos to your site, or prep for an interview, you can walk in and not have to worry about where you are. It’s probably also why it is the number one first date spot.

Now, you’re saying that’s not that much of a revelation and I agree. But, here’s where we might part ways. I think that the standardization is actually a good thing. I, for one, really appreciate having a safe house I can go anywhere in the world. It’s like like going to a little embassy of Starbucks in any town your are in, no matter the local culture. For a $3 admission you can escape and do what you need to do.

What about all the local coffee shops that this evil conglomerate is putting out of business. I don’t buy it. Any shop with decent coffee (read better than Starbucks) has a great shot at staying open. When I’m home in Seattle and need a cup of coffee in my neighborhood, I ain’t going to Starbucks. While home, you have the luxury of exploring the area and finding a place that fits you and brews at good cup of coffee.

So you can take it or leave it, but I’ll take Starbucks and so will most of America.

Filed under: coffee, Starbucks, travel, world domination